TRAVELING GREEN

Whether you are jet-setting to an exotic destination or enjoying a traditional road trip, you can travel with resource conservation in mind.

CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

Book your travel to a locale that is conscious of and responsible about conserving its environment, preserving the welfare of its indigenous residents and providing opportunities for interpretation and education for its visitors.

Travel with an intention to be more aware of the environment and reduce your impact on the Earth.

CONSERVE RESOURCES BEFORE YOU LEAVE

You can be sustainable at home – even when you’re away! Extinguish your lights or set them on a timer. Power down and unplug all unneeded electronics to prevent ‘phantom load,’ and adjust your thermostat to save energy.

GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B – THE GREEN WAY

If you are traveling by air, research airlines and choose the most sustainable option. Also, select the most direct route available to your destination.

If you are traveling on the road, make sure that your vehicle is in its most sustainable shape. Change your oil, and inflate your tires properly. Remove the ‘junk from your trunk’ to reduce vehicle weight, and avoid the use of roof bins to make your vehicle more aerodynamic. All of these actions can improve your gas mileage, which can save both fuel and money.

STAY AS YOU LIVE

When you arrive at your hotel, make an effort to conserve resources there as you would at home. Extinguish the lights when you leave the room. Keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature. Save water by reusing bed linens and towels and by shortening your shower. Recycle your waste.

SEE THE SIGHTS SUSTAINABLY

If you are traveling to a walkable city, use the most sustainable form of transportation – your own two feet! Or, considering cycling to travel around your destination.

If you have to travel long distances to visit the attractions at your destination, try a tour or mass transit. You will probably travel with a guide or a local who can tell you more about the area.

TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL, NOT A TOURIST

Learn about the local history, culture and customs of your vacation destination, and respect local traditions.

Support the economy of your destination by dining and shopping at independently-owned restaurants and businesses.

Instead of purchasing mass-produced souvenirs, choose hand-crafted goods from local artisans and craftsmen.

Purchase only goods that have been sustainably and legally traded – especially if they are animal- or plant-derived goods.